CrossFit Fundraiser Empowers Survivors of Domestic Violence in Montreal

A recent CrossFit fundraiser in Montreal aimed to support victims of domestic violence, highlighting the ongoing struggle faced by survivors. Organized by the non-profit organization Women Aware, the event sought to connect individuals suffering from conjugal violence with essential resources, including shelters and support services.

For Shennel Hunte, president of Women Aware, the cause is deeply personal. Having left an abusive relationship in 2013, Hunte understands the complex challenges that survivors encounter. “The day that someone decides to leave is like the most violent day and the most challenging day,” she shared. Drawing on her own experience, she emphasized the importance of support from loved ones, as well as assistance from Crime Victims Assistance Centres and the court system. After a year of recovery, Hunte discovered the empowering world of fitness. “I started with CrossFit. It made me feel like I could do something. It made me feel strong,” she explained.

Now, Hunte is leveraging her passion for fitness to raise funds that will empower others in similar situations. Participants in the fundraiser were encouraged to donate in exchange for a CrossFit class led by Vincent Rojas. “It’s very important to bring awareness to situations where people may not feel like they have the help,” Rojas stated while guiding the class. The initiative served as both a workout opportunity and a chance to foster community among attendees, many of whom share a connection to the cause.

The issue of domestic violence is pressing in Montreal. According to the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM), incidents of conjugal violence have been on the rise, with domestic violence accounting for 26 percent of crimes against a person in 2024. Data from Women and Gender Equality Canada indicates that nearly half of females aged 15 and older who have been in an intimate relationship have experienced some form of abuse.

Despite the increasing demand for support, funding for gender-based violence initiatives remains limited. Hunte pointed out that the federal government has allocated only $44 million to combat gender-based violence, which poses a significant challenge for organizations like Women Aware. “We have one main funder, and they’ve been helping us through before COVID, during COVID, and after, but they also haven’t received their envelopes, so it’s really hard,” she explained.

Hunte is determined to raise awareness and funds to ensure that Women Aware can continue its mission. By connecting survivors with resources and providing a supportive community, she hopes to create a safer environment for those affected by domestic violence. The CrossFit fundraiser is just one step in a larger effort to address these critical issues and empower individuals to reclaim their lives.